Relief Veterinarian

Job description

HireArt is helping the ASPCA find a Relief Veterinarian to join its Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) team. The BRC is the first and only facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and study of extremely fearful, under-socialized dogs, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding situations. The goal of the entire BRC team is to work together to improve these dogs’ quality of life and prepare them for life in adoptive homes---an impossible outcome without intensive, structured behavioral interventions and integrative care.

In this role, you’ll provide high-quality care, primarily to dogs, and timely treatment decisions in alignment with ASPCA policies and protocols, collaborating closely with the BRC team to address medical issues that fall outside the scope of existing guidelines.

The ideal candidate is a North Carolina-licensed veterinarian who combines strong clinical skills treating dogs and cats with practical knowledge of shelter medicine principles, delivering compassionate care for animals who may be medically or behaviorally compromised.

This is an as-needed position. Typically, veterinarians pick up 1-2, 8-hours shift per week. Shifts are immediately available!

As a Veterinarian, you'll:

• Provide timely, high-quality care for dogs, cats, and other species according to ASPCA medical protocols and shelter medicine best practices.
• Conduct daily medical rounds, participate in MBS population rounds, and manage treatment schedules under the guidance of the BRC Veterinarian of record.
• Oversee population health through quarantine, isolation, and PPE use.
• Diagnose and treat patients efficiently, recognizing when external referrals are needed.
• Perform intake exams and ongoing care for animals on-site, in foster, or off-site, ensuring efficient treatment outcomes.
• Complete veterinary inspection certificates for animal transfers and placements.
• Participate in pathway planning for timely and appropriate disposition decisions, addressing medical, behavioral, and social needs.
• Perform humane euthanasia when medically necessary or as directed by disposition decisions, including situations that may involve a large number of animals.
• Maintain timely and accurate medical records, administrative reports, and animal status updates.
• Support inventory management by maintaining adequate medical supplies and assisting with ordering.
• Adhere to OSHA protocols for a safe and compliant work environment.
• Provide support in other roles as appropriate.

Requirements

• DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited veterinary college.
• 3+ years of clinical experience treating cats and dogs.
• Strong knowledge of shelter medicine principles and best practices.
• Excellent diagnostic, treatment, and clinical skills across a wide range of conditions in cats and dogs.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and resilience in making medical and end-of-life decisions with the ability to guide staff/volunteers through the process
• Proficiency in low-stress animal handling and restraint for medically and behaviorally compromised animals.
• Effective collaboration skills with the ability to communicate professionally, orally and in writing, across all levels of staff
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills; proficient in Microsoft Office and email
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work on feet for extended periods, and perform duties under challenging conditions (e.g., bending, kneeling, exposure to biological/chemical hazards, sharp objects, noise, or slippery/uneven surfaces).
  
  

Licenses, Accreditations & Certifications

• North Carolina veterinary license - must be eligible for licensure within 30 days of hire if not already held.
• USDA Category I Accreditation — must be obtained within 3 months of hire if not already held.
• DEA Registration — must be obtained within 90 days of hire if not already held.
• Fear Free® and Fear Free Shelters Certification — must be completed within 60 days of hire if not already held.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced training or clinical experience in shelter medicine (internship, fellowship, residency).
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other shelter management software.
  
  

Commitment: This is an ongoing contract position staffed via HireArt. Shifts will vary and are immediately available. This position will be onsite and available to candidates local to the Weaverville, NC area.

HireArt values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas or employ corp-to-corp.